Anelka won’t go to Lazio

Anelka has taken to Twitter in the wake of the row over his ‘quenelle’ celebration.

The West Brom striker was threatened with an early end to his career at the Hawthorns as he faces an FA charge over the controversial celebration, said to be anti-semitic.

Serie A club Lazio were rumoured to be lining up a move for the former Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal striker, but the Frenchman quashed talks of a move, still insistent he had done nothing wrong.

Flying along: Nicolas Anelka will not leave West Brom despite the row over his ‘quenelle’ celebration

Outrage: Anelka performs the controversial celebration after scoring against West Ham

Anelka posted: ‘Thanks to Lazio & all the others clubs who wanted to sign me this last days. See you this summer if I decide to continue…

‘But the question is why should I leave my club & England? I’m happy here & I did nothing wrong…

‘So now it’s time to stay focus on my football with my club & I will try my best on the pitch like I always do!’

Sticking by him: West Brom boss Pepe Mel insists Anelka will play at Aston Villa despite the row

He said: ‘Yes I’ve already spoken to Nicolas – the only thing he wants to do is help the team beat Aston Villa.

‘I think he showed against Everton he’s got no problem – the most important thing for me is his performance in the pitch.

‘Sessegnon is the only one not available. Anelka for me played well against Everton.’

However, the Spanish boss admitted the club are working ‘very hard’ to sign another striker with the 34-year-old facing a ban.

Veteran star: Anelka was linked with a January move to Serie A club Lazio in the wake of the row

The Football Association hearing to rule on Nicolas Anelka’s ‘quenelle’ gesture is not likely to begin until the end of February.

The row prompted club sponsors Zoopla to announce they will not be renewing their deal with the Baggies at the end of the season.

Zoopla.co.uk is a property website and is part of the Zoopla Property Group Ltd, a privately held company whose shareholders include DMG Media, a division of DMGT plc, the company which owns the Daily Mail and MailOnline.